Walmart Unveils New Store to Belmont Cragin Shoppers

CHICAGO, July 17, 2013 – Residents in the Belmont Cragin neighborhood now have one-stop shopping convenience for their grocery and general merchandise needs after a new Walmart Supercenter opened Wednesday, July 17, at 4626 W. Diversey Avenue in The Hall Plaza shopping center.

The approximately 116,000-square-foot store will be open 6 a.m. to midnight, seven days a week. Doors opened following a brief ribbon-cutting ceremony.

"I am pleased to welcome this Walmart Supercenter to Chicago and I look forward to the boost it will provide to our local economy and the Belmont Cragin neighborhood," said Mayor Rahm Emanuel. "This store will create jobs for Chicagoans and provide access to affordable, nutritious groceries that will help our residents and improve the Belmont Cragin community."

"Adding new retail in the 31st ward via this smart growth manner - converting and repurposing the former Menard's property in the Hall Mall Plaza - advances the interest of the community and our constituents," said Alderman Ray Suarez. "My vision for the ward has always been to find ways to attract economic development that contributes to the quality of life in Belmont Cragin and Hermosa. The Walmart project reflects that, not only in the creation of 300 new jobs and the addition of new and expanded shopping choices, but also in the manner in which it has committed to my idea of nurturing a safe, sustainable and thriving Chicago community."

One-Stop Shopping ConvenienceThe store features quality, value-priced general merchandise, including apparel, electronics, toys, sporting goods, and fabrics. It also offers a full line of groceries, including organic and natural selections in addition to local favorites including Eastern European foods.

The pharmacy offers a full range of products and services. Pharmacy team members can answer product and prescription questions and customers can ask about health and wellness solutions.

New Store, New JobsThe new store creates approximately 300 full- and part-time jobs. Store manager Brad Wilson began his Walmart career as an hourly associate in 1995 and has worked in the Chicago area for the past 10 years. He is one of four associates at this store who have been with Walmart for more than a decade.

"This opening marks a tremendous opportunity and addition to the community," said Wilson. "I love working with customers and look forward to exceeding their expectations, making their visits pleasant, and going above and beyond with the little things."

Community GivingThe grand-opening celebration also includes presentations of grants from Walmart and the Walmart Foundation to local community groups including Puerto Rican Parade Committee, Casa Central, Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement and Puerto Rican Arts Alliance.

A Big Family WelcomeWalmart is happy to be part of the Belmont Cragin neighborhood and is ready to celebrate with residents on July 20. A Big Family Welcome will give customers a chance to meet Wilson and enjoy fun family activities, such as face painting, cupcake decorating and free food samples while supplies last. Join the celebration from noon to 3 p.m.

Join the ConversationWalmart invites Chicago Belmont Cragin shoppers to share their in-store experience on Facebook. Visit the My Local Walmart Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/walmart5617. Fans of the local page can receive information about rollbacks, in-store events, meal solutions and more.

About WalmartWal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) helps people around the world save money and live better – anytime and anywhere – in retail stores, online, and through their mobile devices. Each week, more than 245 million customers and members visit our more than 10,800 stores under 69 banners in 27 countries and e-commerce websites in 10 countries. With fiscal year 2013 sales of approximately $466 billion, Walmart employs more than 2.2 million associates worldwide. Walmart continues to be a leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy and employment opportunity. Additional information about Walmart can be found by visiting http://corporate.walmart.com, on Facebook at http://facebook.com/walmart and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/walmartnewsroom. Online merchandise sales are available at http://www.walmart.com and http://www.samsclub.com.